Japan sends troops to typhoon-hit Philippines

The Japanese government said Tuesday it will send Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel to the Philippines for medical aid and other relief work in areas devastated by powerful Typhoon Haiyan. Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera issued an order to dispatch 50 SDF members, including 20 medical staff. "We will conduct rescue operations without delay and help the country back on safe ground," Onodera told reporters. "Japan may send more staff if there is demand from the Philippine government," he added. Two SDF members left or Manila on Tuesday and the remaining members of the team will join them Wednesday. The SDF members are expected to conduct activities including medical assistance, the Foreign Ministry said, adding that the team will launch its activities promptly while assessing the conditions of the affected area. On Monday, Tokyo also dispatched a 25-member medical team to the typhoon-ravaged Philippines to provide aid in the next two weeks. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan will extend emergency grant aid worth USD 10 million to provide evacuees with emergency shelters, food and other relief goods. Super typhoon Haiyan swept through the central part of the Philippines on Friday, killing thousands, with the death toll may reach 10,000. According to Suga, 103 Japanese living on the hardest-hit islands of Leyte and Samar remain unaccounted for.